OREANDA-NEWS Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides announces additional funding to assist and protect civilians in Iraq.

The European Commission is scaling up its response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq with an additional €30 million. The money will enable the EU to continue its support for emergency relief in newly retaken areas, including for families who have recently lost their homes. It will also go towards emergency medical services providers attending to injured civilians on the frontlines.

Speaking in Washington today during a High-Level Meeting on the Internally Displaced Persons Crisis in Mosul (Iraq), Commissioner Stylianides said: "The end of the Mosul military campaign marks the beginning of a new phase of international support to Iraq - one that requires our rock solid commitment to preserving humanity. Together we will ensure that all civilians are protected in Telafar, West Anbar and Hawidja, as well as in their locations of displacement."

This brings the total EU humanitarian assistance given to Iraq since 2015 to €340 million.

Background:

The humanitarian crisis in Iraq is one of the largest and most complex in the world. Since the beginning of this crisis, the EU has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Iraq, enabling life-saving operations throughout the country, especially in hard-to-reach areas and locations directly affected by the conflict.

In full respect of humanitarian principles, the EU channels its substantial aid through partner organisations to where needs are the highest. In addition to direct humanitarian funding, the European Commission supports the coordination and transport of emergency supplies, such as tents, blankets, hygiene kits, medical equipment and other material offered by Participating States to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.